Klinsmann names squad for Mexico friendly

Jurgen Klinsmann named the 22-player roster for the U.S. Men's National Team for Wednesday's friendy against Mexico, and there are several new faces in the mix.

Newly-crowned U.S. Open Cup champions Graham Zusi and Matt Besler were among the players chosen to take on Mexico at Estadio Azteca on Wednesday in a rare friendly in Mexico between the two rivals. Besler is a newcomer to the national team set-up, as is fellow call-ups Steven Beitashour.

As you can see, Klinsmann has left several veterans out for this trip. Players like Clint Dempsey, Carlos Bocanegra, Michael Bradley and Steve Cherundolo have been left out. It is clear Klinsmann wants to give some young players some playing time, or at the very least the experience of being with the team in a hostlie environment like Azteca. It is still a bit surprising to see Klinsmann go with a younger squad than expected.

Tim Chandler is NOT on the squad. There were rumblings out of Germany in the summer that Chandler would be part of this group. Now it's safe to say that if he isn't called up by Klinsmann for September's qualifiers against Jamaica then it may be time to close the door on the German-born defender.

Brek Shea is back. Apparently his recent club team issues didn't dissuade Juergen Klinsmann from calling him back into the mix. Shea has looked good since returning from being benched by FC Dallas Schellas Hyndman.

DaMarcus Beasley is also back. He's earned a look after playing so well for Puebla in the Mexican League. He's someone who won't be fazed by the atmosphere at Azteca, which is why it wouldn't be a shock of he started on Wednesday night.

Besler and Beitashour are the new faces as Klinsmann looks for some new defensive blood. Both have had outstanding MLS seasons and could help in the long-term at centerback and right back. Besler is also a young left-footed centerback, something there aren't many of in the pool.

The two players who didn't get calls that are probably surprising to some are Chris Pontius and Eddie Johnson. Johnson shouldn't be a big surprise because right now there are several other forward options. Pontius seemed like a better bet because of his versatility and ability to fit in well into Klinsmann's 4-3-3 system.

Here's a quick look at what the USA starting lineup could be on Wednesday night:

This has to be one of the weakest rosters I’ve ever seen outside of camp cupcake. I’m really starting to sour on Klinsmann. After Mexico calls in all of their top players, he wants to go into Azteca with no Bocanegra, Cherundolo, Bradley, Dempsey and Altidore and build these guys confidence? I really don’t get it.

i just crapped my pants when i saw this roster. we’re gonna get destroyed. if you were gonna call mediocre mls players in you shoulda called pontius. atleast he’s actually good. brek shea…god i feel sick to my stomach now..

wtf is Klinsmann doing? who is gonna play centerback? Cameron and Orozco? does he want us to get blown out by Mexico AGAIN? is he tryin’ to make them overconfident after they kick our @sses AGAIN? i don’t get it. i’m almost afraid to even watch this game

My initial reaction was shock, but I’ve gotten over it. I think it’s a good attempt to “blood” some guys in what could be a rough friendly. All of the forwards are threats and we have some steel in the midfield, if needed. The D choices are interesting. Sorry not to see Dempsey and MB, but I presume that they were probably left off to settle into their respective situations.

This was pretty much as I expected. A heavy MLS/Mex Lg roster with some Euro’s thrown in at some key spots. Yes, I think the back line may look suspect but it fits in with the goal of Klinsmann’s rational for this team: to give some real seasoning to players who may have to step up big in WC qualifying by exposing them to some real adverse conditions. In short, he’s thrown them in the water and it’s sink or swim BUT, he’s going to be grading them should they, make it or not, to shore.

Everyone needs to take it easy. Klinsmann is just trying out some new faces and going to experiment. Yes i know Brek Shea was a crappy call up but we can’t say that the Edu, Bradley , Jones pairing was all that great. They are good players but way too defensive minded with exception to Bradley. I’m glad to see something different, We’ve seen dolo, boca and the rest of the gang enough. I don’t mind seeing some mixing up of the roster even if it is against our rival.

Really castillo, corona, Beasley, orozco, torres, it looks like he loves the Mexican division.
Rimando is over rated bring in new blood.
Shea ,zusi, cameron are not ready for Azteca atmosphere,smog,heat,altitude.
Beckerman kills the speed in the center.
Poor Donovan, captain America is going to be embarrassed of the 7 to 0 loss.
Mexico has not started the Olympic party until they harass Usa in Azteca.

my guess is he will have a good excuse if we get crushed. Lets see what happens when he puts in Castillo and Orozco. Make a lineup out of quality players, not players that will be comfortable in the enviorment. PATHETIC…

Overall, this roster could have done much better. ALtidore season just starte though, and Dempsey has club issues. I think we should keep Traitor TImmy out becuase he will not help contribute in qualifying. But Orozco, Catillo, and Beckerman are just pathetic choices. I think he is trying to have an excuse IF we lose.

Not having Chandler, who may play no further part for our national team is odd?

Dempsey has an up in the air club situation, and Jozy’s club season has already started (and we already know how AZ feels about releasing Jozy at times). It’d be nice to have them, but I wouldn’t say they are necessarily odd.

I though JK’s first match was a one one tie vs Rusia? This isn’t an ideal lineup but it is difficult time to schedule a big match like this. We rely on Europe for our plaers and it is a long trip for our voys; many of whom are settling into new clubs.

Going to be hard calling Altidore, last time Klinsy called him in for a friendly Verbeek almost lost his head. After just putting in 2 against Ajax today if he got called in I’m afraid Klinsman might have to watch his back.

No doubt about it, this a shocker of a roster. Big questions are why did Cherundolo, Bradley,Altidore, and Bocanegra wimp out and decline invitations. Dempsey is understandable as he sweats out a transfer. No way would Michael Bradley have turned down an invitation from a coach named Bob.

I tell you, the guys who had the ba!!s to accept this call up for what might be the toughest match of their lives are heroes to me, especially the guys flying in from Europe and I hope Klinsmann takes that into consideration in future call-ups.

As for Timothy “Benedict Arnold” Chandler, a story in the German press claims that he turned down an invitation from Klinsmann and if this is true, I am pi$$ed that Klinsmann would offer him a chance to play in a friendly before he is cap-tied. Here is a link the story (in the second to the last paragraph).

The Klinsmann Era has to be the least exciting era i can remember, my interest in my own national team has never been lower and for the first time in 10 years I am actually afraid we may not qualify for the WC in 2014.

I get your point but in no way are Lichaj and Demerit new faces either! Demerit is a 2010 World Cup veteran and Lichaj a 2011 Gold Cup veteran. I would love to see Lichaj back but just be happy he didn’t bring in Bornstein!

Six players that play in Mexico make this a ‘fun’ game. Scheduling this one served nothing other than making a paycheck for the USSF so why not maximize and call in all the Mexican league players and a few MLS’ers to take a look at/reward/encourage.

Congrats to Sean Johnson-well deserved. He’s been beyond amazing the last month or two. Sure he’s had one or two not great goals (thinking Robbie Keane) but he has had at least 3 games where he saved 7-9 points collectively by himself. Seems like he’s rebounding well from the qualifying failure for the Olympics, hope Hamid can too.

How could you possibly come to the conclusion that Cherundolo, Bradley, Altidore, and Bocanegra “wimped out”? We don’t know what kind of conversations occurred. All of these guys have played under adverse conditions for the US in the past so I find it hard to believe that they each would have declined an invite because of the opponent, or the venue.

If they are truly knowledgeable soccer fans they will know that this is NOT our A-squad.
It will still be ugly.
1.5 miles above sea level, + smog, plus 100,000 screaming Mexicans.
Feet like lead, legs turning into wet noodles and lungs burning like scorched tortillas in the second half –

Orozco fiscal is not a national team defender!
Beckerman, Edu, Jones, Williams. We only need TWO, maybe three defensive mids MAX!!
Boyd and Gomez already tallied in their respective leagues.
Torres is overrated. Although skilled, he’s small, weak on the ball, and is never put at his natural attacking mid position. Put him there or don’t select him.
Does anyone think attacking mids like Benny Feilhaber or Freddy Adu deserve a shot?

I agree Mig. Its a win-win. We get to see some guys looking to break through in the toughest environment possible and if they manage to be competitive against the top mexicans then it only bodes well for the guys.

I think it was Mark Twain who said believe half of what you see and none of what you hear, or something like that.

What makes you think you or the German press have any idea what the phone call between JK and the vets went like? Your Bradley hatred is boiling to the surface again. For all you know JK told him to stay and win a starting spot with Roma, his NEW club where he still has to prove himself.

This match comes at an awful time for almost all those guys.If it were a qualifier it would be one thing but this is a friendly.

Sorry, I forgot Clarence Goodson. I would like to add him to that list…

True, we don’t know the conversations between Klinsmann and the players. But we do know that Klinsmann is competitive and wants to win friendlies and that he expects his players to accept invitations. He has said that several times quite clearly. So there are basically only two possibilities: 1) Some of the no-show A-Team players declined invitations or 2) some were not invited.

Of course it is possible that Klinsmann did not invite some of the no-show players, but unlikely. I think it is more likely that they declined.

As I said before, I see all the guys on this list as heroes, but some are super-heroes, Tim Howard, Geoff Cameron, Fabian Johnson, Maurice Edu, Jermaine Jones, Danny Williams, and Terrence Boyd.

I would love to see us pull out a win without the A-team players who declined invitations.

wow some of you are ridiculous with your complaining. Yes, it would have been nice to see the A team, but we all knew there was a chance the roster would like this. I would have liked to see Pontius in this lineup though.certainly going to be an interesting game!

i’m just sick and tired of being embarrassed by Mexico. it all started with Bradley playing a weakened lineup at the ’09 Gold Cup and we lost 5-0. people said it wasn’t a meaningful game but every game against Mexico is important. USA was dominating Mexico up until that game, but ever since then they have figured out how to beat us. i thought Bradley should have lost his job after that ’09 game. and then in ’11 they beat our full-strength team and Bradley lost his job. and then we failed to qualify for the Olympics and Mexico won gold. and now Klinsmann is bringing a weakened lineup to Azteca. he doesn’t seem to have learned from Bradley’s mistakes…

Like most others, I was initially disappointed by the roster, but after some reflection, nearly every pick/exclusion makes some sort of sense.

Dempsey needs to sort out his club situation. Bradley needs to settle in fight for a spot at a new club. Altidore’s manager is a pain and you have to pick your battles. Other veteran Euro guys like Bocanegra, Cherundolo, and Goodson might not have warranted to extra travel/fatigue for a friendly when qualifiers are coming up just a couple weeks later.

Besler and Beitashour are young MLS all-stars at positions of need. All of the Mexican league guys are at least getting consistent starts, which presumably implies they’re playing well (I don’t watch FML), and obviously, they’re close. Cameron probably needs caps to make the work permit look legit.

I’m in the “Shea is overrated camp” (he seems like a bigger, slightly better version of Robbie Rogers to me), so that one is still a bit of a head-scratcher (especially given his lack of form in MLS).

What are you talking about? How is it “more likely that they declined”? It’s a friendly at the beginning of a European season. All the big guns are starting their seasons…no need to fly out halfway across the world for a friendly in Mexico.

With that being said, whatever backline we use on Wednesday has the potential to be mighty shaky…

People’s angry reactions here are ridiculous. It’s a friendly! It may be against Mexico, but Klinsmann is rightly using this tough test to try out up-and-comers and MLS-ers.
Look, we know Bradley, Cherundolo, Dempsey, and the rest who were “snubbed” are good players and almost certain to start in a competitive game. But this is a friendly, it would be a waste to use the same starting 11 over and over again in friendlies. Klinsmann knows this, and knows what an opportunity this match is to test some untested players against top competition and a hostile atmosphere.
We don’t need to see those proven players again (as much as we’d like to), we need to test unproven ones.

Not hating or anything but most Mexico fans don’t keep tabs on who is USMNT starters. Safe to say Donovan is well known (right), then maybe Dempsey, Howard and Adu (I know). People will assume this is the starting line-up since this is a rivalry game.

For all the real soccer fans out there, usa vs mexico is not a friendly. Its played with a high intensity and will never be a friendly. Is brazil vs uruguay a friendly, never. Klinsman does not get this rivalry, Mexico will never do this and guess what Usa will not grow as a soccer nation because new soccer fans want usa to beat Mexic and the old fans love usa beating mecico. Espn, wants usa to beat Mexico, garber needs usa to beat Mexico. get it right usa fans!!!!!

Playing mexico in azteca is just not a good time to “experiment.” this game means a lot to players and fans, so that is why people are reacting strongly. If this was any other concacaf team, there would be a totally different reaction.

All of you who are telling people to stop reacting so strongly, let’s see how you feel after we get stomped. A Friendly? Yes. No one cares. If JK actually won at Azteca he would be a legend. Why not try?

I wish Freddy Adu got the call. His club play hasn’t been up to par but neither has Shea’s. I would like to see his creativity and national team determination out there against mexico. Disappointed that MB and Deuce are missing but not unexpected. Tim Ream and Lichaj should’ve been called in while we’re on the tsubject of getting experience in mexico.

it’s been discussed. it’s a terribly timed friendly requiring a LONG flight from Europe. given the situation multiple “A teamers” have at their clubs, it makes sense they would not be included. if this was better timed, we would have seen a full lineup.

Whatever you do, don’t wait for any facts to come out. They might just get in the way about your opinion. With many players at new teams, in limbo, or just starting the new season, it is highly like likely that many A-team players just were not invited. JK’s history shows that he does not call up players that are sorting out their club team situations. The Mexican and MLS players have a shorter travel time and are later in the season. The exceptions appear to be young players that need the 1st team minutes due to the teams need to rely on them going forward. Boyd and Cameron. Or, a guy like Williams that needs 1st team minutes after being out for the previous 5 game period. Looking at the roster, and understanding the individual player situations, this roster makes sense. Try out a few MLS players, give some new/recent starters minutes, rest some aged veterans, take another look at few and let other veterans sort out their club situation. After all, this game is probably just a money game for both parties involved. Add to that…What club team wants their starter playing Mexico, in Mexico, a week before the season starts. You are asking for injuries, or at least a lot of wear and tear leading into the season opener.

Wouldn’t Germany call him for this meaningless friendly, not a critical WC qualifier? I think we can safely say he isn’t on Germany’s radar right now. I think I even read somewhere that the German federation has a policy of not competing over dual-nationality players. If they choose Germany, then great.

I was also surprised to not see certain names on this list, but is this an international FIFA date where teams have to release players? It is possible that Klinnsman wanted to go with a younger roster, it is also possible he didn’t call in other European based players because their clubs were under no obligation to release them. At this point it’s all speculation.

Calling these guys cowards for not going to Azteca is so wrong. Especially the quality of some these players and the big games they’ve played. How about we show these players respect for the games they have played and the contributions they’ve made to the U.S. team.

I will agree that Pontius is probably a better option that Brek Shea, but Klinnsman has always favored Shea. Maybe he just wants to give him another look. I would hope Pontius gets a call in September. It might happen if Shea doesn’t play well against Mexico.

Correct. I saw this very same comment a few days ago. Some article stated that he would probably be called up due the argument that Stoke used to secure his work visa. A Stoke official said as much. He didn’t want to release him, but had to do it.

the 5-0 loss in 2009 involved the Confederations Cup roster not being included remember? the team that beat Spain in an international tournament to earn the right to play in an international final for the first time in US men’s soccer history, remember? all accomplished under Bradley

Gulati should never had brought him back for a second cycle, but that has more to do with Sunil and Klinsmann’s inability to reach a deal to end Bradley’s tenure

Well Orozco plays in Mexico so he’ll be familiar with some of the players. Also, most of Mexico’s attacking presence is on the wings, with Gio playing on the left (typically) and Johnson can lock down Gio. Jones and Torres will provide veteran presence in the midfield and can cover lots of ground. Donovan and Beasley will provide cover on the right side. Overall not ideal but wil have some solid players in the squad.

“Also the US has nothing to win by fielding their true starting XI in this game”

except to finally win a game at Azteca!!!

maybe they will win with this squad, I don’t know, we’ll see. But this statement is wrong…they have everything to win any time they step into a game vs. Mexico, especially in Azteca…like making history by actually winning there!

Its called building a depth pool.. I for one am glad to see new faces and not the same old roster every game we play (friendly or not) like all the other US coaches have done. We have a WC qualifier in 2 weeks, thats is when you will see your safe and comfy roster, why fly the same guys back and forth? Games like this are meant to see what kind of depth we got, so many of you are scared too take a chance. Plus all you that beat the MLS is a good league drum should be happy guys are getting a look and playing tougher competition

yeah i know all that. but USA wasn’t much better than Mexico during the Arena years and yet we dominated them because we had the psychological advantage. we had their number. then Bradley squandered that advantage when he played a lineup that no prayer of winning in ’09. and by ’11 Mexico had the advantage and made our A-team look terrible. they made Tim Howard cry. and if Klinsmann plays this lineup in Azteca and we lose 5-0 again USA will fall farther behind in the psychological battle. unless he wants Mexico to become overconfident? idk…

Did we not see what our A-team can do against Mexico in the Gold Cup final last year? Why bother bringing that group back in? I’m excited to see some new faces, even if that means our defense is inexperienced. I also agree with the comment on Shea, yes he hasn’t played great, but he is an attacking option in the midfield. That seems worth a shot after we’ve deployed 2 sometimes 3 DM’s in other matches.

it was the olympics. and thats honduras. they are mediocre players. good in the mls. mediocre on an international scale. do i hope they prove me wrong? of course i do. but whether you like to admit it or not they’re mediocre. and theyre only place fillers for better players that werent able to make it

I know the players plenty, and I know that this roster, with unproven MLS’ers is not a team to bring into Azteca and give the U.S. ANY chance of coming away with a victory. And regarding Boca – he has an excellent chance of making the World Cup roster, if not starting, and his time on 3rd division team is most likely temporary.

No because he can’t handle speed anymore, and he NOW PLAYS 3rd tier soccer. Matt Besler, has speed to keep up with players, plus younger. Right know, he is better, Boca has gotten old and slow, father time is catching up.

Honduras beat Spain and almost beat BraZil, if not for the ref. The main players, play in MLS, got better in MLS. So if they are not mediocre, why would these MLS players be mediocre? Steven Beithasour is a very good RB and we should be lucky he is american. Matt Bealer is a up and coming CB, with speed and can play the ball out the back, something Boca and Gooch lack.

So who are the starting CB’s? Based on history, I say Cameron & Fiscal. Would like to see Cameron & Besler. Left and right footed, ball control CB’s. Either way, the midfield needs to supply pressure. Letting the Mexican team run at the D is never a recipe for success.

Boca is 33 years old, he would be 35 years old by the time of the world cup. Mexico have guys with speed, and speed is not Boca’s strength. Matt Besler has speed and plays the way Jurgen wan’ts his CB’s to play, good CB passers. Also since you know the players you should also know the qualities of Steven Beithasour, right? If you do, you would know about his crosses and speed.

Bradley did not squander anything…are you saying he should have brought the Confed Cup team to the Gold Cup??? Actually I was mildly surprised that Gold Cup team made it to the final considering ALL of the top tier guys were used elsewhere and not there. That Gold Cup didn’t even mean qualifying for the next Confed Cup

I get what you’re saying about the psycho battle and what may lie ahead regarding this game Wednesday, but disagree with blaming Bradley how you do and that game. I blame Bradley being hired for a second cycle because Gulati and Klinnsman played chicken with the National Team; he should never have been rehired, many said it at the time, and those who did were proven correct

we saw them play with Bornstein as the left back once Dolo went down, and he was attacked by player after player and shredded, picked on like a bully picks on a victim. That same team with Fabian Johnson at left back instead sounds pretty good to me. Not saying that should be the team today, but responding to your remark “Did we not see what our A-Team can do….”

Shea: 6/10 – Another small step to getting back into form. Still a ways away from being that game changing player everyone claims him to be

John: 9/10 – What a night. It would be a massive haul if Dallas could re-sign him. I know, dreaming. John’s passing, specifically those longer attacking passes into the middle third, are the stuff Dallas really needs.

He will play Cameron and Besler. Both are VERY GOOD centerbacks. Castillo? Orozco? No wonder you don’t coach the USMNT… Don’t worry about Mexico scoring once or twice, our midfield and attackers will score. Kilnsmann has a lot of attacking talent in the camp.

I still trust Klinsman. I admit I do not know the MLS players. But what I do know is the U.S. team lacks three things: 1) speed and youth in the central defense; (2) a solid offensive center-mid who can distribute; and 3) better forwards. Hopefully Stu Holden is on the mend [which goes to number 2]. Dempsey, Altidore, Boyd and Gomez are showing some promise [which goes to number 3]. It seems like Klinsman is making moves at address issue No. 1. Seems logical to me, but Mexico in Mexico is tough . . .

First, Pontius is in excellent form. That by itself shouldn’t be cause for a call up.

Second, Pontius has shown well at forward AND outside midfield. In fact, he’s a very good fit in a 4-3-3 role (either as an outside forward who drifts back or an outside mid who runs hard in both directions).

Quite simply, you have to figure that he took Shea over Pontius. And given the season (on and off the field that Shea has had) that’s hard to figure.

Matt is good…id say better than Cameron if we judge him on PERFORMANCE. Unfortunately we dont do that in America otherwise George John would have been selected today (as well as frequently over the last two years) but anyway Besler is most certainly the strongest CB selected for THIS game by coach…I hope he does well with this opportunity.

Do you know who Usain Bolt is? It turns out he is trying to get a tryout with Man U. Do you suppose they will sign him? Because he certainly has more speed than anyone.

Bornstein is probably as fast if not faster than anyone in the USMNT pool; same with Findley and EJ. But if JK called up any of those three SBI would explode with pain and grief and anguish such as you have never seen.

However speed is a must, for CB, yes positioning is also very important, however so is speed. Certain great CB can get away with not having it, that is why they are the greats. They understand positioning better at the CB spot.

Well… I guess the one advantage here is that there are many unknowns. Mexico will have to learn quickly and the USA could capitalize on this with an early goal. Forcing Mexico to chase in their home court could force them to tighten up and give up a second on the counter. The ability of the back line to work as a unit will truly be the difference in this game and is really my biggest worry. If they can’t get it together this could be a bloodbath. That said, there is a lot of good talent on this roster a lot of people who will figure into the future of USMNT. It’s a risk to try a unit like this for the first time in such a brief window. It’s ballsy, but better to risk it now than in a qualifier.

Timothy Chandler no this autograph hunter who press himself on a picture with its hereos. It would have been able to become one if it the club had not discovered. Chandler kick until 2010 in the 2nd team of harmony Frankfurt. For the national league, one said it Chandler, would not pass it. Therefore Chandler left its home town, went to the 1.FCN. It played also there in the 2nd team. One was not able to promise whether it would become for the first rich, it also in the club. Now, two years later, is Chandler US national player. Whether it remains it, has to do also with Joachim Löw. Chandler had come as an offensive player at the Valznerweiher, but Rene Müller, the at that time trainer of the regional league team, made it to the right defender – and therewith too well for the regional league. Sometime Müller asked its superior Dieter Hecking to give this Chandler yet a chance. Hecking gave Chandler the chance – and Chandler used it. On the 22nd of January 2011, Chandler in Freiburg was exchanged for the first time, was later two months it national player. Chandler, son of a German and a US American, was invited of the USA. Two tests stood on the program: against Paraguay and Argentina. Against Argentina, Chandler was exchanged, that emerged is picture with Messi at this evening.

Chandler at that time often said, occurs that he himself like in a dream. It, that was too bad for the harmony, led suddenly duels with Messi, the best. In the back round 10/11, it became the tribe player. In its second national league year, Chandler was not allowed to make 30 games, to be sure all on its haunt. In December against Hoffenheim, Chandler red saw was represented, in the next game it of Markus Feulner so well that that was allowed to continue as a right defender. Chandler should play henceforth on its old position: in the right midfield. Playfully yet more strongly

Chandler did not disappoint also there, was however nevertheless happy when it was allowed to defend again. Now Chandler goes as a right defender number one into the new season. In the spring, it extended its contract in the club although it the VfB Stuttgart also with the prospect for Europacup games attracted. “a heart decision” names Chandler its confession to Nuremberg, “34 games” wants it make in a team, that it “playfully yet more strongly” estimates than the year 2011/12. For another team, that is to be estimated playfully something else more strongly, it could also assemblies: It was during the EM when one had to think in Germany suddenly about a small defense problem. With Philipp, one lamely had only a right defender of international format. On to the right, Jerome Boateng had to play, that sees itself as an interior defender. When Boateng was missing, must Lars Bender, a midfield player, assist. Chandler is now right defender and for Germany, he would be allowed to play also: It graduated yet no duty game for the USA.

First in September it would have festival played itself, start the USA into the World Cup qualification. Does and if previously the DFB report itself with it? “me still has none called”, says Chandler, “and I wants me not impose”. A refusal sounds differently. Fit it would become yes: The next time plays Germany on the 15th of August – against Argentina with Lionel Messi.

THIS ARTICLE TALK ABOUT KLOSS, CHANDLERS KIYOTAKE and few more players from Nurmberg FC not taking part of any Internation Friendly so they can take care and prepare for the league.

In London graduated the offensive midfield player altogether three groups and three K. -o.-Spielen and probably already was able to increase its market value with convincing achievements. To the joy of the trainer, he declined participate that in a friendship game to protect around itself – like also Timothy Chandler and Timm Klose.

“Sometime the boundaries certainly are reached. But I know my body and hear fall well there, so that I not into a hole”. Kiyotake has stand will concentrate me motivation problems in any case no: “I now before a new experience, on that I now. For of me, achievement is expected also in Nuremberg”, said it and wrote further autograph.

Johann Cruyff once said, in all seriousness, the faster player is the one who starts running first.

A guy like Cameron is very fast but there are a number of slower, older, more experienced strikers who would give him all kinds of problems because there are a number of different ways to score other than by beating a guy in a foot race. Boca played and started in France a Lige with an awful lot of speedy attacking types. And he did just fine and he never had any speed.

You are a USMNT fan and like most of them your first thought is towards bigger, faster stronger players. Nothing worng with that but first of all, do they know how to play soccer? You never would have given small guys like Xavi, Iniesta or Leo Messi a chance.

You want to pick the guy who can get to the ball first. My question is what is he going to do with the ball once he gets it?
Most of the time Boca, for example,does something good with it, even in a place as hostile as Azteca.

The Japanese women’s team are physically and athletically inferior in every way to the USWNT. But they are equal to our women because they are better, smarter soccer players.

Man, this is the lamest fan base ever. This is going to be fun. Instead of seeing the same guys manning the back line that we’ve seen a thousand times (Boca, Gooch, Goodson, Cherundolo), we might actually see something new and learn something. We’ll certainly find out who the tough guys are, who doesn’t back down against the hostile crowd. That alone makes this must see viewing. The lineup I’d like to see:

Biff, I can’t agree with you in your speculations on why the veteran national team members weren’t called up but the link you posted on Chandler was very interesting. It kind of confirms the feeling I had about him all along. As a dual national I’m sure he’s had dreams of playing for Germany rather than the US. Growing up in German culture you’d have to expect it, the chance with the US was just convenient. He may be a US citizen with an American father, but he’s very much German in every other way.

you would rather see torres in there? what has he done since he’s been on the team?

Benny has proven that he can play well against top level teams, and there is a reason he was selected to the most important USMNT rosters (Confederations Cup 2009, World Cup 2010). While Torres was also selected to the 2010 WC, he has also been consistently selected to the latest rosters and he hasn’t given me anything to suggest he continually deserves a call up. Basically this specific squad is a young and experimental side, and I believe he needs to try NEW things.

When it comes to ADU, He isnt ready to start for the US in the attacking mid, but I think he has shown in his brief appearances for the US that he can compete at the USMNT level and he has the skill and ability. He can take players 1 on 1, something 98% of the team can’t do, he is quick and he isn’t afraid to be make mistakes.

George John has produced nothing on the field for anyone other than FC Dallas.

Owen Coyle, a man who correctly evaluated Holden, brought in Ream, made him a starter for Bolton in the EPL and by all accounts Ream produced for Bolton. Their relegation wasn’t his fault and in some sectors the thought is if he had come in sooner it might have made a difference.

So Coyle thinks Ream is a good centerback, one who has produced in the EPL, and you disagree with him? Okay, the difference here is that Coyle has backed up his opinion with money and by entrusting Ream with the fate of Coyle’s job. If you are right about Ream and Coyle is wrong, then Coyle could easily lose his job.

Just because things are not going as well for John as you would like, it does not mean every other US centerback should be run down by you.

hey calm down, I like Freddy and felt worst for him when the team failed to qualify for london…he played a great game to help bring the team back and in position to play for the Games…then what happened happened

Benny’s typically performed well for the USMNT off the bench, lots of eveidence, he’s played well vs. Mexico before.I’m not complaining just discussing. When Benny can go for 30 minutes off the bench surrounded by talented players he has brought a change of pace the team has responded to

Lets see…someone who is good to very good yet inconsistent in MLS is better then someone who is CONSISTENTLY very good in the same league purely because he got an opportunity (and was again inconsistent) in a USA kit?

Oh and btw please remind this blog of the article/interview/story/practice report which stated John’s play, and not any number of other reasons, was why terms weren’t agreed between him and Blackburn and/or West Ham

I saw Benny’s first game for the USMNT and I thought he and MB90 would be our central pairing for the next however many years.

It’s been downhill ever since. He had a fine World Cup but he proved that he was best suited to be a good 20-30 minute sub.

I hear he has been better this season but I haven’t seen the Rev’s this year. In any event, it is irrelevant because we know Benny can handle Azteca and if we need veteran MF leadership we have DMB and Donovan. Right now JK needs to find out about some other guys. Let Benny really tear up MLS and if he does that then maybe he could get called in then.

As for Freddydinho, I could take what you wrote about him and find the exact same quote on a post on SBI every year for the last four or five years. It’s always the same with him.

He has to prove to JK this year that he has gotten better and for starters he could think about being consistently brilliant for the Union instead of fading in and out like he does. If he can’t produce more consistently in MLS then he will remain what he has always been for the US a wild card to be thrown in there when we are desperate to juice the offense.

Posters need to calm down and put this match in perspective. Yes this is Mexico and yes this is at Azteca but it is only a friendly and a great opportunity to mix in some new blood and give guys a first chance to play in this kind of environment.

Defensively 3/4 of the proposed backline(Beita,Fiscal,Cameron) are in season players who will not have the rust that say a Boca or Dolo might have from not playing for 2 months. Let’s not forget that Orozco-Fiscal started the Mexico game last year and did not embarrass himself. Cameron’s career is in ascendancy and Fabian Johnson has looked good at LB.

Attack wise only disappointed with the Pontius omission and mildly surprised not to see Altidore. I can see us using Donovan and Beasley to play of Gomez with Wondo and Boyd coming off the bench.

In midfield, Edu or Beckerman as the deep lying CDM, Torres as the facilitator and Jones in a two way mode, free to roam. Not ideal for me, but that’s how I see it playing out.

What has Zusi done to be ahead of Pontius??
Pontius has been great for two straight seasons, only marred by his (admittedly self-inflicted on a reckless tackle) injury late last year, and topped off by the goal against Chelsea at the All-Star game.
Zusi was great last year but every time I have seen him THIS YEAR he has been somewhat average, and like he’s lacking his earlier confidence, topped off by the horrific PK miss in the US Open Cup final.

I’d much rather look at Pontius (who we haven’t seen before with the USMNT) than Zusi, based on both current form and potential.

I’d start Besler over MOF. But isn’t the whole point of MOF that he plays in Mexico and will be familiar with the environment?? Yes, and that’s exactly why I wouldn’t play him, he is lousy, and the Mexican national teamers surely have all his weaknesses figured out by now.

Danny Williams needs to start somewhere in the defense. Either central or right back. He’s flexible and has played pretty well at a high level. Unlike some of the other players people are suggesting start.

This is a great chance to let Cameron get a feel for the Azteca environment. He’s going to be one of our starting CBs for a while it seems, better to get him into the mix of what it feels like in a Concacaf qualifier now in a meaning less friendly that next August when we will be there for the qualifier.

As for the other CB either Besler or Fiscal, both have some nice qualities. WOuld have like to have Goodsen here but he’s in season and its a friendly and we have REAL qualifiers in two weeks, it does not make sense to have him make two round trips across the Atlantic in the time or for any other European based CB, ie Ream, Boca or Gooch.

As for Fiscal, he plays in Mexico and of all our CBs has probably had more games played in Azteca while playing for his club team than anyone else in teh pool. Belser has had a stellar season in MLS so far and I’m sure he’s getting looks for some European teams if he keeps it up.

And Beithasour, what can I say, he’s definately got a lot of upside. He did really well in the MLS All Star match against Chelsea. Don’t care what you say about preseason, he was shutting down the likes of Eden Hazard and some world class talent. He has touch, speed, and is well positioned.

This lineup is okay, by far not our best, but I will be watching the new guys to see if they can hold up in Azteca. Besler and Beithasour in particular. Remeber this time last cycle Stuart Holden was still with Dynamo.

One last point that is a good take away from this group. 4 or 8 years back we would not have had the depth to field a B side with this much talent. It seems the days when we have to start a Jonathon Bornstein or Robby Findly becasue of lack of depth are over. Our depth has taken leaps and bounds in the past several years and only seems to get better with some of the other youngsters like Gyau and Gatt comeing thru also. The 2014 WC squad selection will be the hardest US WC squad to make ever, and there will be some real professionals that won’t even make the squad come 2014. This has me really excited, especially that now I can finally say we will never see Jonothan Bornstein in US colors every again, maybe Hondorus will take him.

Adu played exceptionally well in the 2011 Gold CUp final. Yes, we lost that game but not due to Adu or any of our attacking players. Its not his fault Dolo gets hurt and Bob subs in his man crush Bornstein who got toasted the rest of the match. In fact if you go back and watch the match you’ll notice Mexico didn’t even attempt to attack the other side of the field the rest of the night, once they saw Bornstein all the attach came at him. Adu was playing on the right wing most of the game, the opposite side of the field. It still boggles my mind that one of our top talents for attacking and setting up goals scoring opps in the last third doens’t get more looks. For all his club issues when he puts on the shirt and plays for the USMNT he is great. Gio Dos Santos has had the same club issues over the years but you don’t see Mexico sitting and not even calling up their most dangerous attacking player. Just want the games before you comment please.

I respect your position, but I ask who you would want to see against mexico as a trial, and who you think deserves to start in the next upcoming world cup? Also who you would LIKE to see start next world cup.